Subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed
In a move that's sure to raise some eyebrows, Meta is developing a new feature for Instagram called "Peek" that's reminiscent of BeReal and Snapchat. The feature, which was first spotted by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, allows users to post authentic, unedited photos that can only be viewed once. This is a bold move, especially considering the current popularity of ephemeral content on social media.
So, what exactly is Peek? Essentially, it's a more ephemeral version of Instagram's popular Stories feature. However, unlike Stories, which can be viewed for 24 hours, Peek photos are only available for a brief moment. To take a Peek photo, you'll need to snap a photo with your camera in the moment, rather than uploading an image from your camera gallery. And, unlike other Instagram features, you won't be able to edit your photo or add a filter.
But why is this significant? For one, it's a nod to the rise of BeReal, a platform that has gained popularity by encouraging users to share authentic, unedited content. BeReal's success has led other social media platforms to take notice, and Meta is no exception. In fact, Instagram has already tested a similar feature called Candid Stories, which was essentially a BeReal clone. However, Peek seems to be taking a different approach by offering users more flexibility and control over their content.
So, will Peek be the feature that finally takes down BeReal? It's hard to say at this point, but it's clear that Meta is serious about competing with BeReal and other social media platforms that prioritize authenticity. And if Peek lives up to its promise of offering users a more authentic and spontaneous experience, it could be just the thing to keep Instagram users engaged.
Of course, there's still much we don't know about Peek, including when or if it will be rolled out publicly. But one thing is certain - Meta is taking the competition seriously and is willing to take risks to stay ahead of the curve.
